But Adams said he didn’t actually see the BSO patrol car strike Helen Adams, 46, because he was walking ahead of her.

BSO’s s traffic homicide unit is investigating to see whether speed, weather or other factors were involved, said BSO spokeswoman Dani Moschella.

The couple was crossing east on Federal Highway, an area without a crosswalk, she said.

Even though the accident happened in Fort Lauderdale, BSO is investigating because the crash involved a deputy, Moschella said.

“Deputies go to work every day to protect the public and make sure people are safe,” Moschella said. “So it’s very difficult for everyone when a deputy is involved in a crash.”

Bates, a road patrol officer for the Pompano Beach area, is an 11-year veteran on the force. He was not injured in the crash.

According to police, Bates had been in one previous accident that had no injuries and was deemed preventable.

Bates made headlines in 2007 when a suspect stabbed him in his right thigh with a steak knife after Bates pulled over to check out a suspicious situation.

John Adams, who also was not injured in the crash, told CBS4 he did what he could to help his longtime girlfriend.

“I ran back across and I tried to help her,” he told the television station through tears. “I was trying to help her, give her CPR. I hoped she’d be alright.”

Lisa Adams said her sister grew up in Miami and was a mother of five and a grandmother of seven. Her sister had been living with family and friends in recent years and at one point worked as a babysitter. She had been suffering from a heart condition in recent years, her sister said.

“We were very close,” said Lisa Adams, who said the two spoke three days ago. “I can’t believe my sister is dead. I just can’t even put my head around it.”